A calm, friendly voice replied, “Sir, I don’t think that will be a problem. Let me check my resources.”

I heard keys clicking quickly on a keyboard. “Sir, that will not be a problem for your dog.”

With great relief, I replied, “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

I relaxed.

My dog, Einstein, slept well last night. And because of his Aricept-enhanced memory, he will never forget me chasing him like a crazy man and prying his jaws apart over that tiny little pill he swallowed.

1-800-222-1222 is the telephone number for every poison center in the United States. You may call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and talk with a poison expert.

Caregiver’s Tip: Keep the Poison Control Number handy: 1-800-222-1222. Store it in your cell phone. You never know when (or why) you’ll need it.